07/13/2021
Friends.
In the event you have not already heard, I apologize in advance for the bad news I am about to deliver.
Our friend, fellow Democrat, and Jackson Co Supervisor, Melton Harris passed away this morning of 'Natural Causes.' A massive heart attack is what the family has shared thus far. Details regarding services will be released by the family when possible.
Melton, was a father and a husband; a community organizer and leader; a public servant following retirement from his career; a volunteer; a fellow Veteran; a State, CD, and County Democratic Executive Committee Member - formerly a Chair of the 4th CD; a Yellow Dog Democrat; a good man; and my friend ... who will be sorely missed.
This is indeed tragic. Yet, comes at a time of appreciation for his work as a public servant, and his efforts (over time, and very recently) to ensure inclusivity and equality in representation amongst and within the 4th CD Democrats and the MS Democratic Party. It was only a few weeks ago that scores of MS Democrats bore witness to his stalwart, yet ultimately failed due to premeditated dispositons, defense of his Robert's Rules of Order and MSDP Constitution abiding, co-authored (w/ Brown Miller), 4th CD Conventional Resolution. Which provided guaranteed representation of all organized MSDP County DECs within and on to the MS State Democratic Executive Committee within the 4th CD Caucus. An endeavor ultimately completed by his successor in 2016 - the late Agnes Wilkerson Dalton. His work, and their cumulative efforts, will not be forgotten nor be in vain. As hundreds of MS Democrats now have the desire burning within in them to establish similar, if not the same, levels of organization and cohesion within their respective regions.
Melton, my friend. Thank you for helping those who could not, and in some recent cases prevented the opportunity to, defend themselves ... for decades of volunteerism ... for insight and leadership when others had none and refused ... for everything you taught me ... for being there for the 4th CD, Agnes, the Jackson Co. Dems, and myself ... and for everything you tried to, and did, teach us all. I'll never forget that day at WLOX, and the support and insight shared with me. May you rest in power with the confidence that we will never stop fighting; and may you knowing that I will do as you've asked. , Melton.
¡ , compadre!
Harris was first elected to the Jackson County Board of Supervisors in 2008. One lawmaker calls his death a “traumatic loss” for the Mississippi Coast. Here’s what we know.
